Apple has been granted a new patent which details the possibility of iOS devices having fingerprint sensors embedded in the display itself. There’s a possibility of this technology debuting with the iPhone 5S.

Apple has already been rumored to have given the orders for mass production of its next generation smartphone, the iPhone 5S. Various purported features and specifications of this device have already been rumored. It is expected that the iPhone 5S will have a fingerprint sensor as well. Up till now it has been said that this sensor will be placed underneath the Home button. This latest patent suggests an alternative, housing the sensor in the display itself.

A fingerprint sensor embedded in the display can be used for a variety of functions, first and foremost to lock and unlock the device. The patent also details various other uses, such as helping with selection feature, aiding device power-up or providing tactile feedback to the user. This patent was filed in January 2013 and lists the co-founder of AuthenTec as well, a mobile security company that Apple acquired last year.

The company is reportedly going to unveil iPhone 5S this September, global launch is expected in October. Supplies are reportedly going to be constrained at launch, as recent rumors suggest Apple has made a last minute switch to a 4.3 inch display. None of the purported specifications are confirmed as of now, we just have to wait and see how much of it all is actually true when Apple officially lifts the wraps off iPhone 5S.